Topic
Public Finance
5,915 speeches · 726 speakers
Party share
By the speaker's party · counts only, no scoring. "Unattributed" = speeches not resolved to an MP.
Most active on this topic
| # | Member | Speeches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hon. Ravi Karunanayake, M.P. NDF | 283 |
| 2 | Hon. (Dr.) Anil Jayantha, M.P. JJB | 229 |
| 3 | Hon. Sajith Premadasa, M.P. SJB | 171 |
| 4 | Hon. Wasantha Samarasinghe, M.P. JJB | 167 |
| 5 | Hon. Bimal Rathnayake, M.P. JJB | 153 |
| 6 | Hon. Kumara Jayakody, M.P. JJB | 147 |
| 7 | Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva, M.P. SJB | 140 |
| 8 | Hon. (Dr.) Nalinda Jayatissa, M.P. JJB | 135 |
| 9 | Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, M.P. JJB | 115 |
| 10 | Hon. Dayasiri Jayasekara, Attorney at Law, M.P. SJB | 92 |
Speeches
5,915 on this topic- 17 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva SJB AI summary Hon. (Dr.) Harsha de Silva presented the Committee on Public Finance report on regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act and remuneration matters under the Anti-Corruption Act. He stated that the Committee found property developers had advertised Port City apartments without required parliamentary approval and directed that such advertisements stop, emphasizing that the Commission cannot exercise powers reserved for Parliament. He also noted unresolved concerns over remuneration for the CIABOC Chairperson, Commissioners and senior officers, including the unfulfilled undertaking to align salaries with Court of Appeal judges and disparities with Attorney-General’s Department legal officers, and said an amendment was requested to address this. Committee Reports and Petitions Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake NDF AI summary Ravi Karunanayake said the extension of emergency regulations introduced after Cyclone Ditwah should be the final one, arguing that promised compensation for affected households, students, and small and medium businesses had not yet been fully paid. Citing media reports and a UNDP survey, he said many displaced families remained in hardship and urged the Government to expedite relief payments. He linked disaster recovery to broader economic concerns, calling for reconstruction through grants and foreign direct investment rather than debt, stronger foreign exchange earnings from tourism, tea and investment, and measures to protect the rupee. He urged the Government to use regional instability in the Middle East as an opportunity to attract capital to Sri Lanka, including through Port City and energy-related investment. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe, Attorney-at-Law SJB AI summary Hon. Arjuna Sujeewa Senasinghe argued that the Government has shifted from its earlier anti-Western positions while claiming non-alignment, and questioned what agreements had been reached with the United States and India and whether they affect Sri Lanka’s sovereignty. He said Sri Lanka’s strategic location requires balanced relations with major powers, including India, without “signing away” autonomy. He also criticized the Government’s handling of Cyclone Ditwah relief, claiming promised assistance had not materialized adequately, and linked weak growth, business distress, and stalled investment to past opposition by the JVP/NPP to private-sector-led development and reforms. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Faiszer Musthapha, PC NDF AI summary Faiszer Musthapha questioned the continued need for emergency regulations five months after Cyclone “Ditwah,” arguing that ordinary legal protections are displaced without a clear justification. He criticised the broad Gazette declaration of essential public services, saying it effectively covers much of the State apparatus and could expose workers to imprisonment, property confiscation, and loss of professional registration for non-compliance. He urged the Government to improve administrative efficiency through ordinary means and not extend emergency powers unless a specific threat justifies them. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri SJB AI summary Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri questioned the need to extend the Emergency, arguing that existing Gazettes and circulars had already established mechanisms for post-“Ditwah” relief and asking whether they would be invalid without the extension. He alleged that the Government was using Emergency powers to conceal incompetence and corruption, including issues related to coal procurement and operational failures at Norochcholai. He also called for the Chair of the Public Enterprises Committee to resign pending a proper investigation into the coal deals, and demanded that the Government explain the legal necessity for any further Emergency regulations. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne, Attorney-at-Law NDF AI summary Hon. Anuradha Jayaratne opposed extending the Emergency, arguing that while it was justified during Cyclone “Ditwah,” the Government had not shown a current necessity and could use existing presidential powers for short-term fuel or gas supply concerns. He said the Emergency should be used to deliver practical relief rather than control the public, citing unresolved transport disruptions, delayed railway repairs, inadequate bus services, pending damage assessments, limited compensation, and lack of resettlement land in affected areas including Gampola, Mawatugama, Ududumbara, Gangoda, Doluwa and Rajathalawa. He requested clear timelines from the Government on rail restoration, compensation, assessments, shelter and land allocation, while urging preparation for possible fuel risks linked to the Iran situation through proper procedures. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Arun Hemachandra - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment JJB AI summary Arun Hemachandra supported the Resolution under the Public Security Ordinance to extend the Emergency, arguing that it provides a framework for preparedness, coordination, public order, essential services and stability rather than restricting democratic freedoms. He linked the need for vigilance to escalating Middle East tensions affecting Indian Ocean trade routes, energy supplies, shipping costs and supply chains, and called for de-escalation, respect for international law, UNCLOS, freedom of navigation and safe sea lanes. He also cited the response to Cyclone “Ditwah” as an example of the need for coordinated civil, security and international assistance during crises. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera supported the Emergency Regulations, arguing that they are needed to manage risks to energy supplies, tourism, exports, transport services, and Sri Lankan migrant workers arising from the Middle East conflict and wider geopolitical instability. He said the Government had entered 2026 after strong economic performance in 2025, but now faced external shocks requiring coordinated policy responses. He criticized Opposition statements as creating public anxiety and urged Parliament to act responsibly, citing IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva’s remarks on Sri Lanka’s economic path and the need to focus on domestic policy measures. He emphasized protection mechanisms for overseas Sri Lankans and other affected sectors, and endorsed the President’s position of neutrality, humaneness, and commitment to peace. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera SJB AI summary Hon. K. Sujith Sanjaya Perera said relief following the “Dittu” emergency remained inadequate despite the Opposition’s initial support, noting delays in payments for damaged household goods, housing assistance, alternative accommodation, and compensation for deceased or missing persons. He urged the Government to urgently begin disbursing the promised Rs. 500,000 support for families in red zones and fully affected households through a clear process. He also raised concerns that local officials lacked stable circulars, legal cover, resources, and technical assessments needed to release funds without personal risk, while the Government sought to extend the emergency. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law - Minister of Justice and National Integration JJB AI summary The Minister moved approval for a Gazette resolution under Section 2 of the Public Security Ordinance declaring specified essential services, arguing that the measure is limited to sectors such as energy, health, transport, water, food supply, banking, local authority services, irrigation, telecommunications and agriculture to ensure continuity of public services. He said the powers had facilitated relief operations after the “Dittu” cyclone by allowing resources and personnel to be redirected despite administrative constraints, and rejected Opposition claims that the regulations were intended for repression. He also defended the Government’s foreign policy amid Iran–US tensions, stating Sri Lanka remains neutral, supports peace, and will not allow its territory, airspace or waters to be used to harm others, while disputing Opposition and social media claims about a vessel and alleged intelligence-sharing. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister defended the extension of emergency regulations, arguing that over the previous three months they had not been used to repress protests, media criticism, or social media activity, and asked the Opposition to provide specific evidence if alleging misuse. She said the extension was needed to maintain essential services after a major disaster, support ongoing needs assessments, and coordinate medium- and long-term recovery through international-standard post-disaster planning. She outlined rebuilding priorities including resilient transport and school infrastructure, a Presidential Task Force with subcommittees, urgent attention to people still in camps, and coordination among road authorities and the tri-forces where necessary. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Major General (Rtd.) Aruna Jayasekera - Deputy Minister of Defence JJB AI summary The Deputy Minister of Defence supported extending the state of emergency and continuing essential public services, citing ongoing recovery needs after the November “Dittu” cyclone and potential disruptions caused by conflict in the Middle East, including pressures on fuel supply, maritime operations, and air operations. He said emergency powers and the Commissioner-General of Essential Services were being used to coordinate relief, maintain essential goods and services, and support displaced persons, with officials, the tri-forces, and police working across districts. He rejected Opposition claims of misuse of emergency powers, stating they were being applied for public welfare, security, livelihood restoration, and continuity of services while upholding the rule of law. Debate: Resolution on Public Security Ordinance - Extension of State of Emergency Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha SJB AI summary Hon. Nalin Bandara Jayamaha raised a point under Standing Order 120 concerning the Committee on Public Enterprises and the Norochcholai coal issue. He criticized the COPE Chairman for expressing personal views on the matter and said further attention was being directed to Norochcholai, where he alleged two stacker/reclaimer machines had broken down and inferior coal was causing smoke and fly ash emissions from a unit. Points of Order and Procedural Matters Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Bimal Rathnayake - Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development and Leader of the House of Parliament JJB AI summary Bimal Rathnayake responded to a Standing Order 27(2) question by stating that the 2024 Gazette declaring 13 Jaffna District local authority areas as Urban Development Authority areas will not be revoked. He said planning powers for buildings under 9,000 square feet remain with local authorities, while larger projects are handled by the UDA through an online approval system provided free of charge and supported by trained officials. He argued the designation supports the Greater Jaffna Development Plan under the National Physical Plan, noting consultations with Jaffna MPs and district bodies, and said additional Budget allocations include Rs. 250 million for Jaffna and Chavakachcheri development and flood mitigation studies. Ministry Statements Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Sajith Premadasa - Leader of the Opposition SJB AI summary Under Standing Order 27(2), Sajith Premadasa questioned the Government on paddy procurement, alleging that farmers are unable to obtain the promised Rs. 120 per kg guaranteed price and are selling to middlemen at Rs. 70–80 per kg. He sought details on 2025 Yala purchases, expenditure, storage, stock release, losses, and the procurement target and storage arrangements for the 2025/2026 Maha season. He also asked how the guaranteed price was calculated amid rising input costs and crop losses, whether small and medium millers are being involved, and whether the Government plans rice imports in 2026 due to possible production shortfalls. Standing Order 27(2) Questions and Ministry Statements Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister tabled a response regarding a halted auditorium project at a school in the Polonnaruwa Education Zone, initiated in 2017 with an estimated value of about Rs. 542 million. She stated that Rs. 100 million was paid as an advance and Rs. 92 million in bills submitted, but funding allocations stopped amid the dissolution of the North Central Provincial Council, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the economic crisis. She added that the Governor has questioned the project’s necessity and feasibility, and the Chief Secretary has been instructed to plan effective use of the completed sections. Oral Questions: Various Tabled Answers (Health, Justice, Education) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Attorney-at-Law JJB AI summary The answer tabled provided overtime provision, expenditure and balances for the prison system from 2020 to 2025, showing expenditure rising from Rs. 785.1 million in 2020 to Rs. 1.91 billion in 2025. It attributed the increase to 24-hour operations across a nationwide prison network, severe overcrowding of about 40,000 inmates against capacity of about 11,000, staff shortages against the approved cadre, increased court-related duties, and higher overtime rates following salary increases. It stated that overtime should be properly managed and outlined measures including recruitment, virtual court appearances, expanded rehabilitation, expedited forensic reports, and greater use of community corrections to reduce congestion. Oral Questions: Various Tabled Answers (Health, Justice, Education) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Gayantha Karunatilleka (on behalf of the Hon. Rohana Bandara) SJB AI summary Gayantha Karunatilleka, on behalf of Rohana Bandara, asked the Minister of Justice and National Integration for year-by-year details of overtime payments by the Department of Prisons from 2020 to 31 December 2025. He further sought explanations for any increases, the Government’s position in light of Budget Circular No. 01/2023 restricting overtime payments, and the measures being taken to regulate such payments in the Department. Oral Questions: Various Tabled Answers (Health, Justice, Education) Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. Ruwan Wijeweera JJB AI summary Asked whether the Government is considering or intervening to grant Sri Lanka Principals’ Service officers allowances, such as telephone allowances, in line with those given to comparable institutional heads, noting that principals function as heads of institutions within the managerial cadre. Oral Question: Vacancies in Education Services Read →
- 6 March 2026 The Hon. (Dr.) Harini Amarasuriya - Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education JJB AI summary The Prime Minister stated that the Government has discussed salary anomalies with principals and their associations and is seeking a sustainable solution. She said a Salaries Commission will be appointed this year to address anomalies across sectors, and that the Government will specifically present principals’ concerns to that Commission. Oral Question: Vacancies in Education Services Read →